Written Rules

The first step is to develop a written set of rules that defines the role of the medical student within the context of the practice environment. The rules should establish clear lines of responsibility for the student so that there is no question about who is supervising the student at all times. The rules should delineate which procedures the student may perform and under what supervision. There should be guidelines on what types of orders the student may give and who is authorized to take orders from the student (in no circumstances many these orders involve independent medical judgment). The purpose of the rules is to provide a rigid definition of the student's role in relation to both staff and patients.